What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth. It affects 1 in 10 people in the UK, though many aren’t aware they’re doing it. Teeth grinding often happens unconsciously during sleep or throughout the day, with stress and anxiety common triggers. Certain medications, like antidepressants, and conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or depression can also play a role.
While bruxism might seem harmless at first, it can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. These include tooth damage, jaw pain, chronic headaches and muscle tension.
Stopping teeth grinding can be hard because it’s often a subconscious activity. Effective treatments, like custom-made mouthguards and stress management techniques can protect your teeth and address the causes.
If you regularly wake up with jaw pain, frequent headaches or sensitive teeth, you should see your dentist. Catching the signs early can help prevent further damage and keep your smile healthy.
8-10% of people have bruxism
15% of adolescents have sleep bruxism
70% of bruxism is caused by stress or anxiety
A systematic review found higher bruxism rates in women, increasing with age
What causes bruxism?
Bruxism or teeth grinding can have a variety of causes, though the exact reasons aren’t fully understood. Stress is a major trigger, particularly for those who experience anxiety or anger. It can run in families and certain medications like antidepressants can cause it.
Bruxism can occurs on its own or be related to another condition. In children, teeth grinding may be triggered by teething or bite alignment issues. For adults, stress, anxiety and lifestyle factors like smoking, caffeine and alcohol can increase the risk.
If bruxism is connected to other health issues, such as sleep apnoea, Parkinson’s disease or depression, it’s essential to address the underlying condition. A healthcare professional can help identify the root cause and guide you towards the right treatment.
What are the symptoms and effects of bruxism?
Bruxism can cause more than just issues with your teeth. The constant grinding and clenching can lead to pain in the jaw, tension headaches, and discomfort in the neck and shoulders. Over time, it may even result in temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which affects the movement of your jaw.
From a dental perspective, bruxism can wear down your teeth, causing enamel erosion, increased sensitivity and even fractures. If untreated, it can lead to gum recession and a loss of tooth height. Many people with bruxism also experience disturbed sleep, which can make the problem worse by adding to stress and discomfort.
Detecting and treating bruxism early is crucial to avoid more severe dental problems and improve your overall wellbeing.
How can it be managed?
If you occasionally grind your teeth, you might not need treatment. But for more frequent or severe cases it’s important to seek help to prevent further damage.
Mouthguards for bruxism
One of the most common treatments is a custom-fitted mouthguard or bite splint. These help protect your teeth from excessive wear and reduce tension in your jaw muscles.
Reducing stress
Stress management techniques like meditation and relaxation exercises can be effective in reducing the stress that triggers bruxism. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or hypnotherapy for bruxism can help you to develop ones that work best for you.
Lifestyle changes
Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol and stopping smoking can help manage bruxism.
Medical interventions
In some cases, your doctor may suggest adjusting any medications that could be contributing to the condition. They may prescribe muscle relaxants to ease jaw tension. For more severe cases, Botox® injections can be used to reduce muscle activity and relieve symptoms.
Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the condition and ensure your treatment plan is working effectively. Speak to your dentist for personalised advice on the best options for you.
How can hypnotherapy help?
Solution focused hypnotherapy for bruxism offers a gentle and effective approach, particularly when stress and anxiety are significant factors. Combining psychotherapy and hypnosis, it helps you identify and address the root causes of teeth grinding.
During hypnotherapy, you’ll be guided into a deeply relaxed state, where your subconscious mind becomes more open to positive change. The therapist works with you to reduce stress and emotional triggers, helping you break the habit, even while you sleep.
The number of sessions required can vary, though many report significant improvements after just a few sessions. Each bruxism hypnotherapy session is tailored to your needs, focusing on creating a positive mindset and encouraging healthier habits. This makes it a valuable tool for improving bruxism and your overall quality of life.
Our Bruxism: Teeth Grinding, Night Guard, Jaw Clenching Specialists
Benn Baker-Pollard
Sittingbourne
Caroline Prout
Thrapston
Claire Noyelle
Maidstone
Dawn Ibbetson
Chelmsford
Emma Bancroft
Rainham, Kent
Emma Treby
Mid Devon
Gary Johannes
Peterborough
Jill Whitehouse
Newcastle upon Tyne
Keeley Smith
Southend-on-Sea
Kerry Seymour
Weston-super-Mare
Marina Love
Aylesbury Vale
Peter Ely
Islington
Samantha Morson
Canvey Island
Victoria Anderson
County Durham
Why Choose Inspired To Change
Our solution focused hypnotherapists empower you to better understand your brain, helping to guide you towards solutions and achieve the outcomes you want. We have a team of fully trained hypnotherapists, giving you the choice of who to work with and how you want to work with them. Solution focused hypnotherapy is just as effective in-person or online in the comfort of your own home, so you can find the ideal therapist to help you reach your goals.
Every one of our hypnotherapists is recognised by governing bodies like the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the UK’s leading not-for-profit hypnotherapy professional association. They have all trained with Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training, one of the leading hypnotherapy schools in the UK.
